ANXIETY LEVELS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SWIMMERS PARTICIPATING INSWIMMING COMPETITIONS AT ASA SWIMMING CLUB IN 2025

Ridhe Liana Rose Anggina Simarmata

Authors

Ridhe Liana Rose Anggina Simarmata Universitas Negeri Surabaya Author

Keywords:

Competitive anxiety; Early childhood athletes; Swimming competition; Youth swimming; Psychological factors in sport

Abstract

This study aimed to assess anxiety levels among young swimmers at ASA
Swimming Club and identify the manifestation of anxiety across
somatic, cognitive, affective, and motor dimensions to provide
evidence-based recommendations for psychological support in youth
competitive swimming programs. A quantitative descriptive research
design was employed to examine anxiety levels in 15 young swimmers
aged 5-8 years participating in competitive swimming events in 2025.
Data were collected using an anxiety questionnaire administered two
hours before competition, assessing four key dimensions: somatic,
cognitive, affective, and motor aspects of anxiety. The questionnaire
was distributed with assistance from coaches and parents to ensure
comprehension among young participants. Descriptive statistical
techniques, including mean scores, frequency distributions, and
categorical analysis, were used to analyze the data. The findings
revealed that 80% of participants (n=12) experienced moderate anxiety
levels, while 20% (n=3) demonstrated high anxiety. Analysis across the
four dimensions showed that anxiety manifested differently, with
somatic symptoms and emotional responses being commonly reported,
while cognitive and motor anxiety remained generally manageable. The
results suggest that pre-competition anxiety is an inherent aspect of
early childhood competitive swimming, influenced by sport-specific
demands, developmental factors, and external pressures. The study
highlights the need for integrating systematic psychological
assessment into youth sports programs and adopting child-centered
coaching approaches that prioritize learning and enjoyment.
Implementing mental skills training and creating supportive competitive
environments can help young athletes manage anxiety effectively and
maintain long-term engagement in competitive swimming.

References

Akines, S. A. (2025). Family and Coach Support on Motivation and Performance in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review. Majalah Ilmiah Fisioterapi Indonesia, 13(3), 575–579. https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000000377

Aouani, H., Amara, S., Sahli, F., Barbosa, T. M., Souissi, N., & van den Tillaar, R. (2024). Effect of intensity training block on anxiety state and performance in competitive swimmers. PeerJ, 12, e17708. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17708

Ayranci, M., & Aydin, M. K. (2025). The complex interplay between psychological factors and sports performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 20(8), e0330862. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0330862

Beenen, K. T., Vosters, J. A., & Patel, D. R. (2025). Sport-related performance anxiety in young athletes: A clinical practice review. Translational Paediatrics, 14(1), 12738–12138. https://doi.org/10.21037/tp-24-258

Bial, T. (2022). Intervensi Goal Setting Dalam Cabang Olahraga Terukur: Systematic Literature Review. Jurnal Sains Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, 7(1), 46–55. https://doi.org/10.5614/jskk.2022.7.1.5

Fadluoh, F. M., Komarudin, K., Saputra, M. Y., & Novian, G. (2024). Dukungan Orang Tua dan Motivasi Berprestasi Anak Usia Muda dalam Olahraga: Sebuah Studi Korelasi dalam Cabang Olahraga Renang. Jurnal Sains Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, 9(1), 87–99. https://doi.org/10.5614/jskk.2024.9.1.8

Pluhar, E., McCracken, C., Griffith, K. L., Christino, M. A., Sugimoto, D., & Meehan, W. P. (2019). Team Sport Athletes May Be Less Likely To Suffer Anxiety or Depression than Individual Sport Athletes. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 18(3), 490–496.

Prasetiyo, R., Bayu, W. I., & Darisman, E. K. (2022). Psychological characteristics of athletes in a regional training center. Journal Sport Area, 7(2), 310–319. https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2022.vol7(2).7323

Putra, A. A., & Pratama, R. S. (2025). Anxiety as a psychological factor in futsal athlete performance. Sriwijaya Journal of Sport, 4(3), 342–355. https://doi.org/10.55379/sjs.v4i3.104

Raibowo, S., Wulandari, I., Prabowo, A., Permadi, A., & Rizky, O. B. (2023). KECEMASAN DAN KONSENTRASI PADA ATLET TENIS LAPANGAN POMNAS XVII SUMATERA BARAT 2022. Jurnal Kejaora (Kesehatan Jasmani Dan Olah Raga), 8(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.36526/kejaora.v8i1.2418

Rice, S. M., Gwyther, K., Santesteban-Echarri, O., Baron, D., Gorczynski, P., Gouttebarge, V., Reardon, C. L., Hitchcock, M. E., Hainline, B., & Purcell, R. (2019). Determinants of anxiety in elite athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(11), 722–730. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-100620

S, A., Aliriad, H., Kusuma, D. W. Y., Arbanisa, W., & Winoto, A. (2024). Athletes’ Stress and Anxiety Before The Match. Indonesian Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 4(1), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.52188/ijpess.v4i1.535

Setiawan, E., Patah, I. A., Baptista, C., Winarno, M. E., Sabino, B., & Amalia, E. F. (2020). Self-efficacy dan mental toughness: Apakah faktor psikologis berkorelasi dengan performa atlet? Jurnal Keolahragaan, 8(2), 158–165. https://doi.org/10.21831/jk.v8i2.33551

Sholiha, A. U., Suhariyanti, M., Bhakti, Y. H., & Yulisatria, G. (2025). Tinjauan Literatur Tentang Stres Pada Atlet: Analisis Berdasarkan Data Garuda. Jurnal Ilmiah STOK Bina Guna Medan, 13(2), 249–266. https://doi.org/10.55081/jsbg.v13i2.3865

Trinidad, A. (2023). Variables and instruments for assessing mental health in competitive swimmers: A narrative review. F1000Research. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.140504.1

Yusuf, M. S. (2024). Pengaruh Emosi terhadap Performa Atlet dalam Psikologi Olahraga. Journal of Sport Coaching and Physical Education, 9(2), 162–169.